Kate Chopin

“ While poverty rendered her ineligible as an actress in any of his dramas it drew all his sympathy. He knew perfectly well what would happen, What G Catalan would do. He could see him gazing upon that article of furniture with pity, and regret that he had wasted his time. He could hear his offer – the paltriest sum! Alexandre wondered how poor she really was, if she were poor enough to accept the paltry sum? Without any ultimate intention to be disloyal to G Catalan he had a keen desire to be loyal to the lady. It was nearly dusk when Alexandre quitted the shop. ”

“ Alexandre tremebled with excitement as he sank on the comfortable seat of the carriage. His brain whirled and it was with great effort he kept himself from fainting away. “Lean back,” said the lady, and he obeyed her. “Do you know what happened, Alexandre?” she asked him with smiling eyes. “You sold it all—everything—and bought a carriage.” She laughed. “This is not my carriage, it is hired. I have sold nothing, nothing but the chest of drawers. You will see all the dear old furniture in a big beautiful house that is worthy of it, down on the Mississippi.” ”

“ The doctor, you know, came the very next day and bought the very chest of drawers. Ah! How I wept when it went away. He looked at Cherie and said he would cure her with God’s help. He came every day, every day to see her. Oh! he was so good, so noble, so beautiful! One day he said that Cherie would have to go to the country. Imagine! the country—impossible! Not at all. He had an old plantation. He was—why, Alexandre, can’t you guess?” Alexandre shook his head hopelessly. “Why, we were married. I am his wife. Oh! you are a blessed boy. ”